(2002-2010)
Newmarket Engine House: A Short History
Newmarket’s first fire engine, Tiger No. 1 (1853), was a vast improvement over the bucket brigades used during colonial times. The hand-pumped engine fought fires in town for more than 40 years before being retired in 1896. Years later, a restored Tiger No. 1 reappeared as regular feature in local parades and musters. Today, Tiger No.1 is the only hand tub in the country housed in its original engine house (1852)—which is still standing, thanks in part to the NMSC.
Initial Restoration (2002-2006). The restoration project began in 2002, when NMSC began developing engineering and architectural plans and launched a collaborative fundraising effort. Eventually, we raised more than $100,000, including support from the state’s Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP), the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, the Conservation License Program of the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources, the Newmarket Community Development Corporation, and Town of Newmarket. The structure was lifted completely off its original foundation, the west side was reconfigured for historical accuracy, and a fire hose tower that had previously been removed was rebuilt. Countless hours of volunteer and in-kind labor contributed to the effort. By 2005, the first phase of the restoration was complete.
Restoration Follow-Up (2005-2009). Over the next five years, the NMSC submitted annual stewardship reports to LCHIP, and restoration continued: interior painting was completed, beadboard was installed, electrical improvements were made, a gas furnace and a new fire alarm system were installed—all with funds and volunteer labor from the NMSC. Drainage improvements to the site were made by the Department of Public Works, as part of the private-public partnership designed to maintain this historic building.
Ongoing Maintenance (2010-present). At the conclusion of the restoration project, it was agreed that the town, which owns the Engine House, would continue to maintain the building. The town’s commitment to this ongoing yearly maintenance of Newmarket’s first fire station has continued since then, covered by a dedicated line item in the town budget. We gratefully acknowledge the town’s ongoing stewardship of this historic treasure.